How to Visit a Glacier and Ice Cave in Iceland: Best Places and Tours

I had wanted to walk inside a glacier for a long time, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland in February. I joined a glacier and ice cave exploration tour on Vatnajökull, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We travelled across the glacier in a specially modified Icelandic Super Jeep before putting on crampons and walking across the ice to explore a natural ice cave.

It was an unforgettable experience, especially as it was snowing on the day I visited so everything looked extra magical. What I found particularly fascinating was hearing how much the glacier and its caves change. Our guide explained that groups who had visited just a few days earlier had experienced completely different conditions, from meltwater making parts of the cave inaccessible to beautiful blue ice created by the way light entered the cave. It almost made me want to visit again during our week there just to see it in a different light.

However, the glacier I visited is quite far from Reykjavík, and it's not necessarily the best option if you're only spending a few days in Iceland. Depending on how much time you have, you can also explore glaciers closer to the capital, visit the Katla Ice Cave near Vík or join a glacier hike on the South Coast.

In this guide, I'll explain where you can visit glaciers and ice caves in Iceland, what the different experiences involve, which tours are worth considering and how to choose the right one for your trip.

How Do You Visit a Glacier in Iceland?

Iceland is home to several large glaciers, and visiting one is surprisingly accessible if you join an organised tour. You don't need previous glacier hiking experience for most beginner-friendly excursions, and all tours provide all the specialist equipment you need like crampons and helmets.

There are two main ways to experience a glacier in Iceland: joining a guided glacier hike or visiting an ice cave.

A glacier hike takes you out onto the ice, where you can walk across the glacier, see crevasses and interesting ice formations, and learn about how glaciers move and change. Some hikes are relatively short and suitable for beginners, while others involve longer walks and more challenging terrain.

An ice cave tour takes you inside a natural cave formed within the glacier. These caves can have incredible blue ice, unusual shapes, and sometimes dark volcanic ash trapped in the ice. Natural ice caves change constantly, so the caves you visit one year may look completely different the following season.

Some tours combine both experiences, allowing you to walk on the glacier and explore an ice cave during the same excursion. This is what I chose, and it's a fantastic option if you want to experience more than just a short visit inside a cave.

It's important to understand that not every glacier tour includes an ice cave. If walking inside a natural ice cave is your main priority, make sure the tour description specifically includes one.

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Where Can You Visit a Glacier and Ice Cave in Iceland?

There are several places where you can explore glaciers in Iceland, but the best option depends on where you're staying, how much time you have and whether you want to hike on the glacier or go inside an ice cave.

Below are the main locations to consider.

Jökulsárlón and Breiðamerkurjökull – Best for an extensive glacier and ice cave experience

This is the area I chose to visit, and it's the option I'd recommend if you have more time to explore Iceland's southeast.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland's most famous natural attractions, with enormous icebergs breaking away from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier and floating through the lagoon towards the sea. Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash up on the black volcanic sand.

The glacier itself offers some fantastic opportunities for exploration, including guided ice cave tours and longer glacier excursions.

I joined the Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour with Ice Explorers, which starts at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Rather than simply visiting one cave, the tour takes you onto Breiðamerkurjökull for a longer exploration of the glacier.

The experience starts with a ride in a specially modified Icelandic Super Jeep. Once we reached the glacier, we put on our safety equipment, including crampons, and walked across the ice with our guide.

The walk was an experience in itself. The landscape was covered in snow, and the glacier looked completely different from the photographs I'd seen. On the day I visited, it was snowing, which made the whole experience feel incredibly atmospheric.

One of the most interesting things our guide explained was how much the ice caves change. The groups who had visited earlier in the week had experienced completely different conditions. On one day, meltwater had made parts of the cave inaccessible, while on another, the lack of snow allowed light to enter in a way that gave the ice a beautiful blue tint.

This is a great option if you're travelling further along the South Coast and want to spend more time exploring a glacier. The scenery around the lagoon is spectacular, and you can combine the tour with Diamond Beach, Skaftafell and other attractions in southeastern Iceland.

The main downside is the distance from Reykjavík. Jökulsárlón is around five hours away by car in good conditions, so I wouldn't recommend trying to visit on a day trip from the capital. Plan to spend at least one night in the area.

Sólheimajökull – Best for a glacier hike from Reykjavík

If you're staying in Reykjavík and want to walk on a glacier without driving all the way to southeastern Iceland, Sólheimajökull is one of the most convenient options.

Located on the South Coast, between the villages of Vík and Skógar, Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. It's a popular place for guided glacier hikes and is much closer to Reykjavík than the glaciers around Jökulsárlón.

A typical tour here includes a short walk to the glacier, where your guide will provide crampons and other necessary equipment before taking you onto the ice. You'll get to see the glacier's impressive formations, crevasses and different layers of ice while learning about how the landscape has changed over time.

Some operators also offer tours that include ice climbing or visits to ice formations and caves, depending on the season and conditions. However, don't assume that a standard glacier hike includes a natural ice cave. Check the exact tour description before booking.

This is a good choice if you want to walk on a glacier but don't have time to travel further east or don’t have your own rental car. You can also combine it with a South Coast sightseeing trip to places such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss if you’re very short on time.

Katla Ice Cave – Best for visiting a natural ice cave near Vík

If your main goal is to walk inside a natural ice cave but you don't want to travel all the way to Jökulsárlón, the Katla Ice Cave is a great alternative.

Located beneath Mýrdalsjökull Glacier near Vík, Katla is one of the most accessible natural ice cave experiences in southern Iceland. Tours to Katla usually start in Vík and take you towards the glacier in a specially modified Super Jeep. If you’re staying in Reykjavik and don’t have a rental car some tours also offer pick-up in Reykjavik, just know it will be a very long day with a lot of driving back and forth.

Once you reach the glacier, you'll walk a short distance with your guide to explore the ice cave. The ice here can look quite different from the famous blue caves of Vatnajökull. You may see dark streaks of volcanic ash mixed with the ice, creating a distinctive black-and-blue appearance.

The main advantage of Katla is its location. Vík is around two and a half hours from Reykjavík by car in good conditions, making it a much more practical option if you're planning a shorter South Coast trip. You can also book longer excursions from Reykjavík that combine the cave with some of the area's famous waterfalls and beaches if you’re short one time in Iceland and want to see as much as possible.

Unlike many of the natural ice caves in Vatnajökull, Katla tours are often available throughout the year, so even if you’re not visiting during the winter months you can check the individual tours to see if they still operate when you visit.

Skaftafell – Best for combining a glacier hike and ice cave

Skaftafell is another fantastic place to explore Vatnajökull, and it's worth considering if you want a more active glacier experience.

Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell has several hiking trails, impressive glacier views and access to outlet glaciers such as Falljökull. Guided glacier hikes are available throughout much of the year, while natural ice cave tours are generally seasonal and run during the winter months.

Some excursions combine a glacier hike with a visit to a natural ice cave, giving you the opportunity to spend more time on the ice rather than simply travelling to a cave entrance.

The area is also beautiful even if you don't join a glacier tour. You can explore the hiking trails, visit Svartifoss waterfall and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Skaftafell is further from Reykjavík than Sólheimajökull and Vík, but it's closer than Jökulsárlón, so it’s a great stop on a longer South Coast road trip.

If you want to hike on the glacier and explore a natural ice cave, book this tour

If you're not visiting during winter, but want to hike on the glacier, book this tour

Langjökull – Best for visiting an ice tunnel all year

Langjökull offers a slightly different experience from the other locations in this guide. Instead of exploring a natural ice cave, you can visit a man-made ice tunnel that has been excavated inside the glacier.

The Into the Glacier experience takes you through a series of tunnels and chambers inside Langjökull, allowing you to see the ice from the inside. The tunnel is designed to be accessible throughout the year, making it an option even when natural ice caves are not available.

You can reach the area on a snowmobile with an organised tour from locations such as Húsafell, and some excursions include transport from Reykjavík. Depending on the tour, you may also combine the experience with a Super Jeep ride or other activities.

It's important to understand that this is not the same as visiting a natural ice cave. The tunnel has been deliberately created inside the glacier, so the experience is more predictable and structured. If you specifically want to explore a natural cave formed by the glacier, choose Katla or one of the seasonal ice cave tours in Vatnajökull instead.

However, it's a good alternative if you're visiting outside the natural ice cave season or want to experience walking inside a glacier without joining a longer glacier hike.

Book a snowmobile tour to Langjökull ice tunnel

When Is the Best Time to Visit a Glacier or Ice Cave in Iceland?

The good news is that you can visit glaciers in Iceland throughout the year. Guided glacier hikes operate in several locations during both summer and winter, although weather conditions can affect availability.

Natural ice caves are more seasonal. The famous blue ice caves beneath Vatnajökull are only visited during the colder months from November to February. The exact season changes depending on temperatures and conditions, and not every cave is accessible throughout the season.

Katla is often a more flexible option, with tours operating throughout the year. The Langjökull ice tunnel is also available year-round because it is a man-made structure rather than a natural ice cave.

Winter is a particularly atmospheric time to visit Iceland's glaciers. The surrounding landscapes may be covered in snow, and the ice caves can have beautiful blue colours when the light and conditions are right. However, don't expect every cave to look exactly like the photographs you see online.

I visited on a snowy day and loved the atmosphere, even though the conditions were different from some of the pictures I'd seen beforehand. I'd recommend choosing your travel dates based on the wider Iceland trip you want to experience rather than trying to predict exactly what the ice cave will look like.

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Is It Safe to Walk on a Glacier or Visit an Ice Cave in Iceland?

Walking on a glacier and exploring natural ice caves involves risks. Glaciers are constantly moving, ice can crack or collapse, and conditions can change quickly depending on the weather and temperature.

This is why you should never attempt to explore a glacier or enter an ice cave independently. Always join an organised tour with an experienced glacier guide who knows the area and can assess the conditions.

Your guide will provide the necessary safety equipment, which usually includes crampons and a helmet. Some tours also provide a safety harness and other specialist equipment, depending on the route and activity.

The difficulty level varies between tours. A short ice cave excursion may involve only a relatively easy walk, while a longer glacier exploration tour can require several kilometres of walking across uneven ice. Check the physical requirements and minimum age before booking.

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What Should You Wear for a Glacier Hike or Ice Cave Tour?

Even if the weather looks fine when you leave your hotel, conditions on the glacier can be very different. It can be cold, windy, snowy or wet, so dressing properly is essential.

I recommend wearing:

• Warm thermal base layers, preferably wool
• A fleece or wool mid-layer
• A waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof outdoor trousers
• Warm gloves and a hat
• Sturdy hiking boots that cover your ankles

Most organised tours provide specialist equipment such as crampons and helmets, but you need to bring suitable clothing and footwear yourself. Your hiking boots should be sturdy, cover your ankles and have firm soles so the crampons can be attached properly. Ordinary trainers or soft sneakers are not suitable, I promise you’ll regret it when it gets cold and uncomfortable.

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Where to Stay for a Glacier and Ice Cave Tour in Iceland

Where you should stay depends on which glacier you want to visit. If you're joining a tour from Sólheimajökull or Katla, Vík and the surrounding South Coast are convenient options. For tours from Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón, you'll want to stay further east. However, you can also simply stay in Reykjavik and do day trips if you don’t have a rental car. Below are my favourite hotels in each area.

Stay in Reykjavík for day trips

If you're planning a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or an organised excursion to Katla, you can stay in Reykjavík and join a full-day tour. This is the easiest option if you don't have a rental car, although you'll spend quite a bit of time travelling.

The Reykjavik EDITION

If you're looking for a luxury hotel in Reykjavik, this is one of the most impressive options in the city. Located right beside Harpa Concert Hall and the Old Harbour, it combines contemporary design with high-end facilities, including a spa, several dining options and a rooftop bar.

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Hilton Reykjavik

This is a larger hotel option outside the main downtown area. It offers modern rooms, a restaurant, fitness facilities and additional wellness options, making it a good choice if you prefer a hotel with more amenities. The location is particularly convenient for travellers arriving with a rental car.

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Center Hotels Laugavegur

If you want to stay directly on Reykjavik's main shopping street, this is worth considering. The hotel has a modern and relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar. You'll have shops, cafés and restaurants right outside, and it's a convenient base for exploring the city.

Check prices and availability

Stay in Vík for Katla and South Coast exploring

This is a good base for exploring the South Coast and joining a Katla Ice Cave tour. It's also convenient for visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Skógafoss and other attractions in the area.

Hótel Kría

This is a modern hotel in the centre of Vík, making it a great choice if you want to be close to restaurants, shops and the village's main attractions. The rooms have a contemporary Scandinavian design, and the hotel has an on-site restaurant, bar and breakfast buffet.

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Black Beach Suites

Located just outside Vík, this hotel offers spacious, modern studios with kitchenettes and private terraces overlooking the dramatic South Coast landscape. The large windows make the most of the surroundings, and the location feels much more peaceful.

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Vík Apartments

If you prefer having your own space, this is a great alternative to a traditional hotel. The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas, with larger options available for families and groups. The central location means you can walk to the village.

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Stay in Skaftafell to explore Vatnajökull

Staying near Skaftafell makes sense if you're planning to explore Vatnajökull National Park and join a glacier hike or seasonal ice cave tour. There are fewer accommodation options than in larger towns, so book ahead.

Hotel Skaftafell

This is one of the most convenient places to stay when visiting Skaftafell National Park, located just a short drive from the visitor centre. The hotel has comfortable, fairly simple rooms, some with views of the surrounding mountains and Vatnajökull Glacier.

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Skaftafell Lodges by Adventure Hotels

This is a great choice if you want something a little more special than a standard hotel room. The modern two-storey lodges have a separate living area, kitchenette and bedroom, as well as a balcony where you can take in the impressive mountain and glacier views.

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Nónhamar

If you prefer a little more privacy, this offers small, modern cabins in the countryside near Hof, around 15 kilometres from Skaftafell. The cabins have a kitchenette, private bathroom and sleeping space for up to four people, making them a good option for couples, families or anyone who wants a quieter stay.

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Stay near Jökulsárlón for longer glacier exploration

If you're joining the longer glacier exploration tour from Jökulsárlón, staying nearby is the most convenient option. Accommodation is limited, but you'll avoid a long drive before your tour.

Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel

This is one of the closest hotels to the famous glacier lagoon and a great choice if you want to make your stay in this part of Iceland a little more special. The modern rooms feature large windows with views of the surrounding mountains and glacier landscape, while the hotel also has a restaurant, sauna and outdoor hot tubs.

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Hali Country Hotel

This is a great option if location is your main priority, sitting just around 10–15 minutes by car from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The hotel is part of a working farm and offers comfortable, simply furnished rooms with views of the surrounding countryside.

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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

This is a modern hotel located between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, making it a convenient base for exploring both areas. The stylish rooms have a contemporary Scandinavian design, while the hotel also has a restaurant, bar, sauna and hot tub.

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What Else Can You Do Near Jökulsárlón?

If you decide to travel all the way to Jökulsárlón for a glacier tour, make sure you leave some time to explore the surrounding area. There are several incredible places nearby, and it's worth spending at least a day or two in this part of Iceland.

Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Even if you're joining a glacier tour, make time to explore the lagoon itself. Huge icebergs break away from the glacier and float through the water towards the sea. You can often see seals swimming between the ice, and the scenery changes constantly as the ice moves around. If you want you can also join a kayaking trip here to explore the lagoon even further.

Walk along Diamond Beach

Just across the road from Jökulsárlón you’ll find Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash up on the black volcanic sand. The contrast between the dark beach and the ice is beautiful, and it can be a great place to take photographs. The amount of ice on the beach changes all the time, so it can look very different from one visit to the next.

If you look up pictures from Diamond beach on the internet it looks spectacular, but when we visited there were hardly any ice washed up so it felt a bit dissapointing. However, we did see a seal swimming around and the black sand is really cool to see against the white snow.

Explore Skaftafell

Further west, Skaftafell is a beautiful area within Vatnajökull National Park. There are several hiking trails, viewpoints and opportunities to see the glacier from different angles. If you're interested in spending more time outdoors, it's well worth adding to your itinerary.

Visit Fjallsárlón:

Often quieter than Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is another glacier lagoon in the area. It's a beautiful place to stop if you're exploring the region by car and want to see another side of Vatnajökull.

Final Thoughts: Is Visiting a Glacier and Ice Cave in Iceland Worth It?

I absolutely think so! Whether you choose a short glacier hike, a natural ice cave tour or a longer glacier exploration experience, getting to see Iceland's glaciers up close is something I highly recommend.

For me, walking inside a glacier was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. I loved the Super Jeep ride, the walk across the ice and, of course, exploring the cave itself. Hearing how much the glacier changes from one day to the next made the experience even more interesting.

That said, you don't necessarily need to travel all the way to Jökulsárlón to experience a glacier in Iceland. If you're short on time, Sólheimajökull and Katla are much more convenient options from Reykjavík. If you have a longer South Coast itinerary, I'd make the journey east and explore Vatnajökull.

Plan Your Trip to Iceland

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan your ice cave visit to Iceland. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

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Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

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